Ragga Jam dance originated in the early 20th century as a form of female self-expression, initially performed only by women. Today it's a vibrant, energetic dance for all.
Ragga Jam dance originated in the early 20th century. Its essence was female self-expression, so initially it was performed only by women. The dance itself is energetic and beautiful, which eventually made men join in, moving to the beat, and thus the strong half of humanity got involved.
Ragga Jam has several basic movements, including shakes and squats to the floor. These elements make the dance unique and fluid, keeping the dancer in great physical shape.
Some moves can be learned on your own without any dance experience, but after a few classes, in just a couple of months you'll be able to choreograph by trusting your body.
Many people confuse Ragga Jam with hip-hop because the styles are similar. However, there are differences: hip-hop has a specific technique, while Ragga Jam is a simplified version that allows you to dance as you feel. This is an advantage because no one will judge you for wrong moves.
So, Ragga Jam is a mass dance with no restrictions on gender, age, or physical fitness. The question remains: what clothing and shoes should you use for dancing?
First of all, Ragga Jam is a dance with amazing energy and energetic moves, so clothes and shoes must be extremely comfortable. Shoes should be light and modern, otherwise you may feel discomfort and think the dance isn't for you, when it's actually the shoes. Professional Ragga Jam dancers recommend jazz shoes or soft sneakers for men.
This footwear provides the necessary slide on the floor and keeps your feet comfortable. You can also buy leather shoes with a small heel. Such shoes fit the overall style and flex well, allowing you to perform typical moves.
Women are recommended to dance in moccasins, sneakers, or shoes with a 3-4 cm heel. All these shoes will complement your look and won't cause trouble during the dance.
As for clothing, there are no strict rules; you can trust professionals' advice. Most choose loose clothing that doesn't restrict movement. That means loose T-shirts or tank tops and wide shorts, capris, or pants. Clothes should be light and breathable to let your body breathe and maintain your salt-water balance.
During dance classes, you increase physical activity, so choose the right fabric. Prefer natural materials like cotton or polyester.
Some dancers add caps or hats, or tie a sweater around their hips. These are not mandatory; they just create your personal style. You can also add accessories: sunglasses, bracelets, or rings. This completes the look and makes you shine literally.
Ragga Jam is danced on city streets, at discos, on stage, at home to your favorite music—anywhere you feel like it. Remember, to enjoy positive emotions, don't be shy! Trust your body and feel your inner beauty.
If for any reason you can't relax and are self-conscious about your body, choose looser clothing, take a T-shirt a couple sizes larger, and relax. Believe me, Ragga Jam looks so captivating that you can't avoid admiring glances! Dance and have fun!
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get new content delivered to your inbox